Decarbonising transport

For a healthier, low carbon transport system for all

Overview

Despite the urgent need to cut emissions to meet the UK’s net zero target, transport remains the most polluting sector, with progress to reduce its emissions falling short of what is needed. This lack of progress is putting the UK’s climate commitments at risk.

Sustainable transport networks offer a chance to create healthier, safer and more connected communities. In partnership with businesses and NGOs, we are analysing policy gaps and working with decision-makers to raise ambition for a cleaner transport system. Our focus includes securing an ambitious transport decarbonisation plan, expanding sustainable travel options, accelerating the shift to electric vehicles, reducing aviation emissions and embedding low-carbon transport in planning policy.

Accelerating the electric vehicle revolution

In 2017, we were the first to voice the need to bring the ban on the sale of petrol and diesel cars forward from 2040 to 2030. We collaborated with businesses and NGOs to make the case to government.

In a significant win, in 2024, the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate launched speeding up the transition to electric vehicles which will cut carbon fast from this high emission sector.

We continue to advocate for a successful transition to electric vehicles, including urging the government to introduce more ambitious targets to the (ZEV) mandate.

Read the reports:

Addressing aviation emissions

Aviation is one of the hardest forms of transport to decarbonise.

The government is depending on technology to solve the problem but it will be a long time before zero emissions aircraft can be used commercially. To reach net zero by 2050, other  solutions are needed. Sustainable aviation fuel is an option for the shorter term alongside a kerosene tax to manage demand. We have looked at how to speed up the use of alternative fuel, particularly power-to-liquid synthetic fuel which can be carbon neutral.

Integrating transport and planning

In collaboration with NGOs, we are working to ensure that low carbon transport is at the heart of the planning system.

Better planning can encourage the uptake of active travel, such as walking and cycling, reduce congestion, improve health, and accelerate emissions reductions from cars.

Pushing for an ambitious transport decarbonisation plan

In 2021 the government published its transport decarbonisation plan, laying out a strategy for how to achieve net zero across the sector.

It was a good start, but the plans have not been kept to. Alongside our NGO partners, we are working to ensure the Department for Transport (DfT) delivers on its climate promises across all modes of transport in the UK by advocating for reviewing and monitoring progress.

Funding partners

This programme of work is made possible by the European Climate Foundation and the Quadrature Climate Foundation.

NGO partners

We are working with the following NGOs to deliver ambitious transport decarbonisation.

Explore our work

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